Survivor Housing Advocate II

IRCO•Portland, OR

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Survivor Housing Advocate II for IRCO’s Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program is responsible for delivery of housing-related support and services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking. This role provides case management and resource connection to survivors in the EHV program. The Housing Advocate utilizes a survivor-centered, strengths-based, empowerment model to cultivate trust, establish and promote trauma-informed communication, provide advocacy, direct services and support, and case management that facilitates, encourages, and assists clients to reach their goals. The Housing Advocate utilizes their experience in the sector to enhance and improve programming, facilitate working groups, and is sometimes called upon to mentor less experienced staff members.

Requirements

Experience in the following areas: domestic violence/human trafficking, housing advocacy, and direct services
Bachelor’s degree or some college course work preferred; High school diploma required.
Experience or knowledge of how Service Providers and Housing Authorities operate.
Completion of the 40-hour Oregon Domestic Violence Certified Advocate training, with additional relevant training within 10 business days of hire
Knowledge about the impacts of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and its intersections with poverty and homelessness
Training and understanding of Trauma-Informed Care, and ability to develop healthy boundaries with clients
Strong community aware approach
Fluency and ability to fulfill all services in English required, and fluency in another language preferred but not required
Demonstrated skill and experience working directly with communities of varied backgrounds
Ability to cultivate and develop full participation and respectful engagement with stakeholders, colleagues, and community members
An effective and compassionate communicator, both verbally and in writing, with excellent active listening skills to identify the needs and goals of our participants
Ability to be self-directed and multitask effectively; be flexible, prioritize daily workload, and operate calmly amidst stressful circumstances
Analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to pass a thorough background check
Hybrid position
Requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks
Regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed
The work environment is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles. There is very little element of personal risk or hazard.
Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.
Work schedule is stable and does not fluctuate
Must possess a valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and have full use of an automobile during work hours

Responsibilities

Possess and apply an impeccable degree of confidentiality and utilize knowledge of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) laws about confidentiality, disclosures, and releases of information
Collaborate with Multnomah County Housing Services Department (HSD), HomeForward, and partners to support participants referred to in the EHV program.
Conduct eligibility screening, barrier and needs assessments, and referral to appropriate services/agencies as necessary.
Coordinate closely with HomeForward case managers to support and advocate for participants moving through the process of attaining housing.
Provide trauma-informed advocacy through referral process and transition into the housing program from internal and external direct service providers.
Work with up to 30 clients; collaboratively develop plans for safety, health and wellness, employment and educational placements, and other appropriate services as driven by survivor priorities and goals.
Assist participants in obtaining basic essential household items to set up their new rentals, while abiding program procedures, budgets, and financial processes.
Provide or secure interpretation, translation, and accessibility services.
Continuously contribute to the Housing Team’s network resource of new and existing private landlords, property managers, and other housing options to ensure proper housing for survivors.
Identify prospective safe affordable housing sites and establish relationships with landlords and property managers.
Partner with survivors in barrier reduction, locate housing, support to move in, and engage in housing mediation and/or advocacy as necessary.
Facilitate linkages with educational and employment programs within and outside of IRCO
Encourage financial empowerment, support participants to increase income and connect with other financial resources, including pursuing child support, TANF, Social Security benefits, Victim Compensation, etc.
Maintain confidential client files of service provision; complete data entry in Apricot and CompSite databases, track client expenses, and complete administrative tasks within given timelines.
Comply with EHV funding award guidelines
Attend collaborative housing related meetings with partner agencies
Participate in and contribute to all staff meetings and training courses
Contribute to program standard operating procedures
Participate in outreach and educational activities in communities
Perform other duties as specified by the Survivor Housing Coordinator and/or Sector Manager

Benefits

Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
Work that helps your community
3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
3% match for student loans or college savings
12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending accounts